Chapter 74

"Mhm." Gregory Wilson remained composed. "I happened to witness your car accident when we ran into each other at the restaurant last time, so I brought you to the hospital."

Evelyn Carter's tense nerves relaxed slightly.

For a moment, she'd feared Gregory would bring up that love letter...

"Perfect!" The dean clapped his hands cheerfully. "Since you two know each other, collaboration will be even smoother. With both of you leading the charge, our OB-GYN department will reach new heights!"

"Dean..."

Olivia Lightfoot's timid voice came from the corner. "Is this why you wanted to see Dr. Carter?"

"What else?" The dean raised an eyebrow. "Dr. Carter is outstanding—did you think I was here to give her trouble?"

Olivia exhaled in relief. "Good, good. I thought..."

"Thought what?"

"Nothing, nothing." Olivia forced a laugh. "I assumed you were promoting Dr. Carter for her exceptional performance."

The dean stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Not a bad idea. Though I've been concerned—if she gets pregnant and takes maternity leave, we'd be short-staffed..."

"Don't worry about that!" Olivia blurted. "Dr. Carter is divorced—no risk of pregnancy!"

The moment the words left her mouth, she clapped a hand over it, eyes wide with regret.

The dean's gaze flickered between them. "...Divorced?"

Evelyn nodded awkwardly. "Yes."

"When?"

"During the holiday break."

"Why?" The dean looked puzzled. "You two seemed happy—your husband drove you to work every day. How did it fall apart so suddenly?"

Evelyn hesitated, unsure how to respond. "I..."

Gregory intervened smoothly. "Dean, weren't you going to show me the pharmacy storage?"

"Right, right." The dean snapped back to attention. "Let's go now."

Before leaving, Gregory paused briefly, glancing back at Evelyn.

She thought he might say something.

But he only offered a faint smile before following the dean out.

Olivia stood frozen until their footsteps faded before shutting the door.

"Dr. Carter! Did you see that? So handsome!"

Evelyn sighed. "Not scared anymore?"

Olivia grinned sheepishly. "Crisis averted! I was too nervous earlier to really look. Dr. Wilson is ridiculously attractive!"

"Crushing on him?"

"Absolutely not!"

Evelyn pointed toward the hallway. "There's a mirror at the end of the corridor. Go take a look—your face is red as a lobster."

Olivia cupped her cheeks, murmuring dreamily. "He really is gorgeous... I wonder if he's single..."

Just then, the office door knocked again.

Olivia pulled it open. "Who—oh! Dr. Wilson? Weren't you going to the pharmacy?"

Gregory smiled. "You're Olivia, right?"

"Yes, yes!" Olivia nodded eagerly. "You know me?!"

"Dr. Carter's right-hand assistant. You've been with her since graduation."

Olivia bobbed her head like a buoy. "That's me!"

Gregory handed her an elegant gift box. "I forgot to give you this earlier."

Olivia's eyes widened. "Oh my god! These cookies are impossible to find domestically!"

"I had a friend mail them from overseas."

Olivia was beside herself. "How did you know I love this brand? I've been out for ages—even resellers don't have them!"

Gregory simply smiled, his gaze drifting to Evelyn. "Let me know when you finish them. I'll have more sent."

Evelyn felt his stare like a physical heat, making her fidget. She ducked her head, focusing on her meal.

Suddenly, she envied Annabelle Taylor.

How had she accepted a man's obvious affection for over twenty years without flinching?

Facing that devotion daily yet remaining unfazed.

Even without explicit declarations, she'd basked in Alexander Hamilton's care without guilt.

Evelyn shook her head.

She couldn't do it.

Gregory's subtle gestures alone left her flustered.

His eyes still lingered on her.

Evelyn turned her back to the door, finally able to breathe.

"Dr. Wilson, you're the best!"

Gregory replied gently, "Looking forward to working together."

Bribed by both treats and charm, Olivia switched allegiances instantly. "Of course! By the way, Dr. Wilson... can I ask something personal?"

"Go ahead."

"Do you have a girlfriend?"

Gregory finally looked away from Evelyn. "Not currently. But... there is someone I like."

Cough cough—

Evelyn suddenly choked violently, tears springing to her eyes.